Main Open Spaces     Gavin Park     Wildlife Preserve     and Park	5k XC starts Open House Activities at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Takes more than rain to drench the fun and enthusiasm of nature lovers.
	At least the 5K cross-country runners did not have rain during their race. But everyone else who came to the Open House at Camp Saratoga Saturday October 19 came in the rain and came smiling.     They found much to smile about. Wildlife expert, Beth Bidwell, gave a talk on raptors and snakes and how to preserve their habitats. Best of all, Beth had peregrine falcons and owls and snakes for the visitors to admire.     Beth gave her lecture under the open-sided shelter so everyone was out of the rain. While Beth was giving her talk, Art Johnson (Wilton Town Supervisor) was at the barbecue helping Dave Ports and other Nature Conservancy volunteers prepare hamburgers, hot dogs and of course, veggie burgers for the visitors.     Sarah Clarkin, Executive Director of the Preserve, was helping set the buffet with chips and home-made salads. Sarah commented that despite the rain more people attended the Open House than last year.     Among the visitors was Assemblyman Roy McDonald who unveiled plans for the Preserve six years and said then that Camp Saratoga would be a centerstone for the project.
	Roy's opponent in the November Election, Pat Phillips also attended with his wife Anita and children Ewan and Erin. Pats says that this was not a campaign stop but quality time with his family.     Visitors to the Open House would agree with Pat this was quality time. It is fortunate for Wilton that we have this nature and wildlife preserve with the trails and the Camp Saratoga facilityn which will remain forever wild for our generation and future generations.     Sarah invites anyone interested in the programs of the Preserve to call her at the Wilton Town Hall - 587-1939 for more information.